Jason Richardson hopes to make his season debut for the Sixers in March. (USA Today Images)

Jason Richardson was recently cleared to take jump shots. Now the veteran guard thinks he can be back on the court in about a month.

“Hopefully the beginning of March, mid-March,” Richardson said when asked when he wants to return. “That’s the timetable ... it’s all how my knee responds to everything.”

The 33-year-old started all 33 games he played for the Sixers last season. He averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.7 steals before suffering a left knee injury. Richardson had the knee drained last January before undergoing surgery last February. Prior to the surgery, Richardson described the procedure as one to repair a cartilage tear "the size of a quarter" on the right side of his left kneecap.

Richardson said he’s “feeling great” and he’s not dealing with any soreness in the knee. Richardson added that doctors told him “with the way the surgery is, it’s going to be like nothing ever happened.”

“It’s all about activating my muscles again, getting my whole body active again, moving around and stuff like that,” said Richardson, who is in his 13th NBA season.

Richardson said his rehabilitation will progress from jump shots for about an hour a day, to sliding and shooting, followed by catching and shooting. He’s also working to increase muscle strength with bands rather than weights.

If and when he does return to the Sixers this season, what type of role does Richardson anticipate for himself?

“Player coach,” Richardson said with a laugh. “I’m the old guy on the team. I’ve been through everything and had a long career. Scoring doesn’t matter to me. It’s about winning. With a young team like this, it’s about teaching. Coaching might be something I want to get to after my career is over. What better way to start than while you’re playing?”